Chapter 2: A thing of beauty

English
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Chapter 2: A thing of beauty

Class: XII

Exercise number – 1

Question 1

List the things of beauty mentioned in the poem.

Answer 1

The poet mentioned the beauty of things in the poem are the sun, the moon, old and new trees, daffodils, clear rills, musk roses that bloom among the thick forest ferns.

Question 2

List the things that cause suffering and pain.

Answer 2

The things that cause suffering and pain which are mentioned in the poem are dark phases of our life, adverse circumstances, gloomy days, death of noble people and bad health.

Question 3

What does the line, 'Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to earth' suggest to you?

Answer 3

The line 'Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to earth' suggests that the things of beauty bind us to the world with a good looking connection. we must always maintain this friendship- band while not harming Nature. In line with the poet, even though the world isn't worth living as a result of the infinite reasons that ultimately lead to gloom and depression, the zeal to live pleased and contented life will be derived from the sight of the gorgeous bounties of Nature around us.

Question 4

What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings?

Answer 4

Human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings due to the existence
of many natural and delightful things around them. these things of beauty never fade. They
give joy and optimism to human mind, and thus, facilitate in overcoming or bearing the troubles
and sufferings. Beautiful things in one type or the opposite facilitate a life filled with radiance and
propel us to forget the negative sides of life.

Question 5

Why is 'grandeur' associated with the 'mighty dead'?

Answer 5

In this poem 'grandeur' refers to the sweetness of the noble deeds. The ‘mighty dead’ are the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for a few noble cause. they need left behind the attractive heritage of their brave acts. Their unselfish sacrifice for their nation and deeds for the welfare of humans still continue to inspire us.

Question 6

Do we experience things of beauty only for short moments or do they make a lasting impression on us?

Answer 6

The poet believes that after we look into an attractive thing or experience an instant of
joy and happiness, even for a brief time, the pleasure remains with us forever. It leaves a long-lasting impression that evokes us to measure life with hope and optimism.

Question 7

What image does the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth?

Answer 7

The poet uses the image of 'an endless fountain of immortal drink' to explain the
beautiful bounty of the world. The earth, sort of a fountain, pours unto us varied lovely things just like the sun, the moon, flowers, rivers and greenery .We are lucky to get pleasure from all these lovely things just like the nectar ,the immortal drink to quench our thirst for seeking pleasure and live an attractive life without any grudge.